Thursday, March 31, 2011

Rather than just tying your ribbon into a knot or bow, another way to attach ribbon to a card is by using the Beveled Window Panes. Using them is a great way to use ribbon differently. But more importantly, it definitely shows off the stamped image as the focal point with a bang!

That being said, I found that they are a bit tricky to attach but well worth the trouble. I found that the way I attach the windows is with the ribbon itself. To help keep the window in place, I added glue dots behind the ribbon near where the linen thread is tied. Just adds a bit more stability.

To make a Square Border using the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, I used this VIDEO TUTORIAL. This link shows how you can make a rectangle border as well.

Here is another view. You can see the flower image better in this photo.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

At our Stamp Club this month, we made a Spinner Card using the Create a Cupcake stamp set. I followed THIS TUTORIAL on how to make a spinner card. Check it out 'cause it explains it a lot better than I would by just writing down the instructions. Plus it has photos!!

A couple of directions on the card we made:

First I taped the DSP on top of the Early Espresso (Rose Red for the stamp club members), flipped it over and drew two lines at 5/8" and 1-1/8". Then I used the 1/2" Circle Punch, pushed it all the way in, centered it on the two lines and punched. Then I cut along the two lines that I had drawn between the the punched out circles. You can use either a Craft Knife to cut the two lines or a paper cutter.

To make the cupcake more stable, I punched out a 1-3/8 circle and taped/glued the cupcake on top of that and then cut away the parts of the circle that was showing beneath the cupcake.

Follow tutorial to complete spinner. If you find that your penny is not staying and sort of falling out, use a nickel instead.

I found that the cupcake spun nicely when it was raised away from the card substantially. So what you need to do is double your dimensionals: Use two dimensionals on top of each other in all four corners and then in the middle of the long sides. (If you are using a nickel, you will not be able to add the dimensionals on the top middle of the card.) I hope that all makes sense!

Attaching Jumbo Grommets:

To attach grommet, place grommet over ribbon and one layer of card stock. (I tried it over two or three layers and the grommet would not stay nicely.) Place these over the sponge part of the mat pack(or use a mouse pad). Hammer the grommet in, flop over and hammer the spikes flat.

Dimensions:

Whisper White card base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2

Rose Red: 5-3/8 x 4-1/8

Early Espresso: 5 x 3-3/4; 2-1/8 x 4-1/8 (at the club I we used this piece in rose red instead)

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Another one with the Black Magic technique and Bliss stamp set. The butterfly uses this technique. I stamped the flourish in Whisper White ink and then embossed in white embossing powder. I stamped the word "bliss" in Versa Mark ink , so it is very subtle on the Crumb Cake card stock. To create the scalloped edge, I scalloped the edge of the Crumb Cake card stock of which the main image is stamped on. Then I scalloped the edges of two strips of card stock and adhered them on to the stamped card stock. The ribbon covers the line/top edge of the scallops so you cannot see where I adhered them.

Friday, March 4, 2011

A few years ago, when Organic Outlines was listed on the Stampin' Up! retired list, I just had to get it. I tried using it a few times but was never happy with the outcome. I did not like the cards I made with this set. I put the set away for a couple of years (LOL) and pulled it out again last week. These cards are the result with which I am much happier.